Queen's Burger Recipe

Make and shape patties

Place ground beef in a bowl. Add 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Gently mix with your hands or a spatula until just combined — do not overwork. Divide mixture into two equal portions and form each into a loose patty about 3/4-inch thick and slightly wider than the buns. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb (helps even cooking).

Bring patties to room temperature while you prepare other components, about 10–15 minutes. Brush both sides lightly with 1 tsp vegetable oil just before cooking to prevent sticking.

Split the brioche buns. Spread softened butter evenly on the cut sides. Toast the buns, buttered side down, in a skillet over medium heat or on a griddle until golden brown and crisp, about 1–2 minutes. Keep warm.

Prepare the cheddar slices and have them ready to melt on the patties during the final minute of cooking.

Thinly slice the red onion and tomato. Rinse and dry the lettuce leaves. Arrange pickles. If you prefer milder onion, soak the slices in cold water for 5 minutes then drain and pat dry.

In a small bowl combine 3 tbs mayonnaise, 1 tbs ketchup, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp sweet pickle relish, 1/2 tsp hot sauce (optional), 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice, 1/8 tsp salt and a pinch (1/16 tsp) black pepper. Whisk until smooth and refrigerate until ready to assemble. Taste and adjust seasoning — add more lemon or hot sauce to preference.

Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until hot. Place the oiled patties on the cooking surface. Cook without pressing for 3–4 minutes on the first side until a brown crust forms.

Flip the patties and cook another 2–3 minutes for medium doneness. In the final 60 seconds of cooking, place a slice of cheddar on each patty and cover the pan briefly (or use a bowl) to melt the cheese.

To assemble: spread about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of Queen's Sauce on the bottom bun. Place a lettuce leaf on the sauce, then the cheeseburger patty, 2 pickle slices, a tomato slice, and a few red onion rings. Spread a little sauce on the top bun and close the burger. Repeat for the second burger.

Serve immediately with fries or a side salad.